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Tow truck procession to honor driver slain

Posted at 5:45 PM, Jun 23, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-23 20:45:39-04

AMADO, Ariz. — Arizona tow truck drivers honoring the life and memory of Richard Struble. Struble, a tow truck driver from Amado, was one of the victims killed in a hit-and-run nearly two weeks ago.

Starting at the iconic Longhorn Grill and Cow Palace, Struble's procession ended at the place where his life was taken at Discount Tire on Oracle and Simmons.

"He put his life on the line everyday to help people out on the side of the road. He was just a generous guy. Warmhearted, caring, and hard working man," said Jesse Luna III, the Luna's Towing owner's son.

His life taken in a parking lot, by a driver who is still not in police custody.

"He never saw it coming in the parking lot. it's the same if I was doing a tow call and I would feel the safest in a parking lot than on the side of the freeway or side of a street in a busy city, busy intersection," said Luna.

Struble worked for Luna's Towing for 20 years and is considered family to the generations who own the company. The Luna's put out a call to fellow tow truck drivers to give Struble a proper send off filled with love and brotherhood.

"I think he would have been happy about the whole outcome. With everybody showing up and everybody being here to show their respects. Everybody in the tow family, emergency roadside assistance, first responders, all of them are family." said Paul Taylor with Downtown Towing.

"Its a good feeling inside to know that everybody showed up here to pay respects to this driver. Again, this is a brotherhood and it is good to see everyone come here together as one. Competition, other companies are out here, but yet we come as united," said Brandon Reichle with Watt's Towing.

Struble's ashes rode along the procession with his loved ones. His ashes were carried by his girlfriend of 12 years, fiance of 3 months, Mary Breijak. She said she was overwhelmed by the amount of love Struble is receiving.

"And then when I looked in the rear-view mirror and saw the procession, of I believe over 30 tow trucks behind us with their lights on. It was just a feeling from heaven," said Breijak.

"It was just amazing to see all the tow trucks following us. The lights going, beacons going, flashing. It was just an unbelievable scene," said Luna.

Police are still looking for the hit-and-run driver. He has been identified as 32-year-old Justin Lang. Detectives have an arrest warrant out for Lang on two counts of manslaughter. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME.